Red Cracker (Hamadryas amphinome) (Linnaeus, 1767) |
Synonyms: Papilio amphinome |
Hamadryas amphinome ranges from Mexico into northern Argentina, and also occurs in the Caribbean, including Cuba. It inhabits edges and clearings of tropical rainforest and dry forest, and secondary scrub; 0-1,500 m. The wings are black with a calico pattern of bright blue spots on the upperside; red on the underside. Adults frequently perch on tree trunks, in a head-downward posture, with the wings flattened against the bark. They feed mainly on rotting fruit; the caterpillar feeds on Dalechampia spp. (Euphorbiaceae).